VPN client - Download on IPhone - Copy to PC

Posted on May 06, 2019 in DevOps
Updated: July 13, 2019

While writing this blog I am in China. I have an immediate need for VPN, since so much SW and websites are dependent on the websites, which are barred in China. I can install VPN clients on IPhone from AppStore, but I can't install VPN client on PC, since I can't reach the sites from China. So here is a fix.

Download VPN client on IPhone - and Copy it to PC

If you can't download a VPN client to PC (due to restrictions in the country), then you can fetch the setup-file via IPhone:

  • From AppStore install a VPN client - e.g. Le VPN, Astrill, IPVanish
  • Subscribe, start VPN, login and activate VPN
    • Note: You will need to supply an email as userid - but also to receive VPN login details in.
      So you'll need an email provider that can be accessed from you country - so case of China you can use Outlook.com
  • From AppStore install Firefox
  • From Firefox browse to the VPN Download page
  • Upload to cloud drive e.g. ICloud, Onedrive, pCloud - you can do that with the app for the specific iCloud or with IPhone Files app
    • Download from Windows
  • Or connect IPhone to PC with usb
    • Use iTunes on PC to transfer file

Choose VPN

I have not tested much of VPNs, so it is limited knowledge I can come with.

  • Astrill VPN
    • Pros:
      • Stays connected on the VPN even though you loose wifi or snoose your IPhone
    • Cons:
      • Yearly charge - I need monthly - or less
      • Low score on Trustpilot
    • Info:
      • I have not tested IPVanish from PC
  • Le VPN
    • Pros:
      • One week trial account - with no payment
      • Monthly charge - currently $10
      • Subscription is not default. By default you only pay for one period.
      • Can pay with Bitcoin (You don't have to supply your id through payment card)
    • Cons:
      • Disconnects the VPN when you loose wifi or snoose your IPhone
      • On PC I have trouble finding VPN servers, that lets me connect (from China). It does not seem to be a problem from IPhone. I wonder what it is on the PC, that gives those differnces?
      • Low score on Trustpilot
  • IPVanish VPN
    • Pros:
      • Top score on Trustpilot
      • Monthly charge
      • 1 year plan: $3,25/mo
    • Cons:
      • Subscription is default and mandatory. You will keep paying untill your card expires or you unsubscibe
    • Info:
      • I have not tested IPVanish
  • Namecheap VPN
    • Pros:
      • Cheap 3 year plan: $2/mo
    • Cons:
      • No Linux app
  • Private Internet Access
    • Pros:
      • 2 year plan: $3½/mo
      • Recommended by TutaNota
  • Opera How to Enable Free VPN on Opera Browser for Android | Mashtips
    • Pros:
      • Free
    • Cons:
      • Probably only works with Opera Browser

I have not not been choosing VPN for speed, privacy or security reasons, so there you have to do your own research.

Links

The End

#vpn #icloud